Petu Pumpkin: Tooth Troubles

“The Petu books are great fun to read because Venkatesh takes the boys seriously: To them, skipping lunch and the prospect of losing a challenge are gargantuan issues. And Venkatesh’s writing takes cognizance of that—the language is simple, yet dramatic … Venkatesh builds up the tension, and works through the problems in a way a child might. The Petu books tell simple, and essentially sweet, stories.” – Mint Lounge, Jan 17 2015

“It makes a hilarious read, and not just for kids. Believe me, I couldn’t put down the book either. Besides being appropriate for the reading level of children between the age group of 6 to 9 years, the stories are very well written and the author beautifully captures the mind of the big little boys in transition – whether it’s the easily relatable characters and classroom situations, intra and inter class politics that younger readers can identify with, or the funny limericks that run through the narrative. A must read for all young and emergent readers.” – One Story A Day

“With a keen eye on the problems that are unique to young 7-10 year olds, Petu Pumpkin Tooth Troubles is a delightful book for young children. The author keeps the narrative tight and simple, and the illustrations by Shilpa Ranade add tremendous value in expanding the depth of the story. A definite hOle book to enjoy!” – The Good Book Corner

“I liked the first book in the series – Petu Pumpkin: Tiffin Thief, but found this one even better since the theme is about something most readers would have dealt with – loose baby teeth.
… Some scenes such as Pushkin watching his loose tooth in the school toilet mirror while eating his lunch and whistle-hating dogs going after Pushkin and his friends, were particularly humorous.” – Kid Lit World

“Arundhati Venkatesh brings us another laugh riot after Petu Pumpkin Tiffin Thief. Petu Pumpkin Tooth Troubles published by Duckbill Books makes you remember all the tooth troubles you underwent when everyone else’s teeth were falling except yours, and the fun times and fake fights in school.” – Indian Moms Connect

“Arundhati Venkatesh, who has gone from strength to strength with four published books already under her belt, doesn’t fail to entertain in this second one with Duckbill books, a publishing house that has given us wonderful children’s books in the past few years, with fresh voices, and original stories set in India. This is one of their hOle books series, perfect for younger readers.” – Saffron Tree

“The hOle Books have a hole in the upper right corner, and after spending a few minutes sticking my finger through these and dangling the books for fun, I began reading the adventures of Petu Pumpkin. In Tooth Troubles, Pushkin finds that he cannot become a member of the Gap Club unless he has a gap between his teeth. So he devises plans to lose a tooth and gain membership of this exclusive club. But that is not all, Pushkin must prove his loyalty to the club by helping them win a football match against the fourth graders, and this involves losing more teeth.

… All in all, there was enough adventure to give me a couch adrenalin rush! The stories are beautifully written, and supplemented with brilliant illustrations, guaranteed to keep curious, young readers stuck to the pages. They are drenched with humour, a crucial ingredient to ensure that tiny people grow up loving the experience of reading … Gender issues are a highlight. One does not get a sense of distinction between ‘things girls do’ and ‘things boys do’, a relief, given the bombardment of stereotyped gender roles in everything from toys to television.” — The Book Review